UK Set to Approve Jackdaw Gas Field in Mid-September Amid Climate Court Ruling
Sources indicate the UK government may approve the Jackdaw gas field within weeks, reversing a legal delay caused by environmental groups. The project, owned by Shell and others, remains highly contested regarding its carbon footprint.
Government and industry sources suggest the UK will approve the Jackdaw gas field in mid-September, pending final consultations. Although the former Conservative government initially sanctioned the project in 2022, a Court of Session ruling in Edinburgh previously halted approval. The judge determined the state failed to assess climate impacts before granting consent, requiring detailed new estimates published for public review in July. Jackdaw is operated by Adura, a joint venture involving Shell and other energy firms. Owner representatives state the field could produce 6% of the UK's gas output at peak capacity. Conversely, environmental campaigners argue the project will ultimately satisfy only 2% of national gas needs when imports are factored in. The controversy also involves Rosebank, another site approved in Shetland. This potential approval aims to resolve ongoing legal disputes regarding offshore fossil fuel extraction.
